Construction of new community in Overland Park remains on schedule

By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

If you’ve driven Metcalf recently, you’ve probably seen the progress.

Backhoes, concrete trucks, earth movers, heavy equipment, and cranes are helping Tallgrass Creek take shape.

The community, set to open at the end of the year, is on schedule. “So far, everything is going well,” Director of Development Andy Evans said. “We will be ready to open in no time.”

‘Right before our eyes’
Most recently the construction crews have poured the concrete foundations for the Bluebird Crossing residence building and the Audubon Clubhouse. Both are in the process of being framed. The steel and wood framing of the new buildings can be seen from Metcalf Avenue. “With the foundation in place, we are now going vertical,” Evans said.

“This is an exciting time,” Jane McIntire, retirement counselor at Tallgrass Creek said. “This is what we’ve been waiting for. We can see the community taking shape right before our eyes.”

“After the buildings are framed, the construction crews will begin enclosing the structure with the skin materials,” Evans explained.

The main arteries
But it’s the things that can’t be seen from the street that are also very important, Evans said. Since starting the project in late 2006, the community has graded much of the land, and run many of the utilities including the storm and sanitary systems under ground.

The water, electric, gas, and telephone companies have also laid their groundwork for the community. “We worked with the local authorities to ensure that everything is up to code,” Evans said. “That was of utmost importance.”

The community roads have been mapped and curbs have been set as well.